Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in the Eastern Townships?
1. Wander through Old Sherbrooke and the Marché de la Gare
Sherbrooke eases you into the urban soul of the Eastern Townships, with red brick, murals, and riverside walks along the Magog. Take your time following the river gorge, listening to the water ripple beneath the footbridges, then head up toward the downtown cafés, where the smell of roasted coffee mingles with fresh-baked bread.
On Saturdays, make your way to the Marché de la Gare, a lively, local market where you can taste cheeses, berries, sourdough breads, and ciders right at the counter.
2. Paddle on Lake Memphremagog from Magog
Lake Memphremagog feels like stepping into a postcard in motion, a vast mirror of water, blue hills in the distance, and the call of loons in the background. From Magog, rent a kayak or paddleboard early in the morning, when the mist begins to lift and the lake has the texture of silk.
At the end of the day, settle onto Cantons Beach, feet in the sand, and watch the sun skim the mountains before heading into town for an easygoing dinner rooted in local flavors.
3. Hike in Mont-Orford National Park
Mont-Orford is a classic hike for good reason, with well-marked trails, hardwood forests where the air smells like rich earth, and, at the summit, wide-open views over lakes and valleys. In fall, the colors burst into copper, gold, and bright red, while leaves crunch softly under every step.
For a gentler outing, choose the loops near Lake Stukely, perfect for families, with picnic stops by the water and swimming when summer heats up.
4. Get lost in the lanes of North Hatley and its peaceful lakeshore
North Hatley is a lakeside village with quiet charm, wooden porches, small gardens, and soft light drifting across Lake Massawippi. Wander without a plan, ice cream cone in hand, then continue to the marina to watch the sailboats and hear halyards clink in the breeze.
The real pleasure here is taking it slow, sitting on a bench, breathing in the fresh air, and letting the day unfold.
5. Taste your way along the Wine Route, from Dunham to Sutton
The Wine Route lets you taste the Eastern Townships by the glass, aromatic whites, bright rosés, sparkling wines, and still ciders, often poured by the people who tend the vines themselves. Between Dunham and Sutton, the roads roll through open fields, you should stop by a terrace, a converted barn or a tasting counter.
To travel more thoughtfully, take your time, pack a picnic of local products, and head back at sunset.
6. Bike the Véloroute des Grandes-Fourches around Sherbrooke
The Véloroute des Grandes-Fourches is the region's best-kept secret: a beautiful, easy loop perfect for seeing a lot without rushing. The path follows rivers, crosses footbridges, runs alongside parks and offers natural places to pause.
It’s an ideal family outing, where you decide the pace with plenty of tasty stops in town. By late afternoon, the low sun turns the riverbanks golden, and the ride feels like a little journey of its own.
7. Walk to the Coaticook Falls and across the suspension bridge
For a simple thrill, head to the Coaticook Falls, where the water roars at the bottom of a green gorge. The highlight is the suspension bridge, swaying gently as you cross high above the treetops, wind in your face and the forest stretching out beneath you.
Take time to follow the trails down, while feeling the cool damp air near the rocks. This is a true Eastern Townships ritual. The bridge is also the main attraction of the nighttime experience “Foresta Lumina,” a seasonal walk filled with color and fairy-tale ambiance, all within the same park.
8. Explore the Sutton Mountains in the off-season
For a wilder side of the Eastern Townships, aim for Sutton in spring or fall, where the trails give room to breathe and nature takes center stage. The forests are dense, the ground smells of moss, and viewpoints open unexpectedly over rounded hills. Bring a small snack and let the nature guide you.
In winter, the area is also perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, with snow that muffles every sound and makes the landscape feel more intimate.
Add the Eastern Townships to your tailor-made Canada trip
With Evaneos, you’ll connect directly with a local, English-speaking expert based in Canada. They know the pine-scented roads, the best local spots, and the timing that helps you avoid big crowds. They will give practical advice at the right moment and an itinerary that fits your pace.
Dreaming of a stop in the Eastern Townships, with charming villages, calm lakes, and memorable local food? Your local expert will design a tailor-made trip for you and help you explore the rest of Canada, from major cities to the wildest parks.
